Proactive Healthcare for Better Prostate Health

In recognition of June being National Men's Health Month, we have been focusing on health conditions unique to men. In this week's blog, we look at symptoms and risk factors related to an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). By age 60, nearly 50% of men will have some signs of BPH. By age 85, approximately 90% will have signs of the condition. In some cases, BPH can lead to other complications, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and acute urinary retention (an inability to urinate, which requires immediate medical attention.) 

Symptoms of BPH include: 

· Frequent urination, especially at night. 

· Sudden, strong urges to urinate. 

· Difficulty starting urination. 

· Weak urine stream. 

· Straining to urinate. 

· Painful urination. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. As with any medical issue, early detection by being proactive about annual wellness exams or regular visits to a primary care physician will increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. 

When considering reducing your risk for BPH, the advice begins to sound much like the advice for many other medical issues. Medical experts recommend a combination of the following lifestyle choices and preventative healthcare measures to reduce your risk of developing BPH. 

· A healthy Mediterranean-style diet rich in anti-inflammatory properties like tomatoes, berries, and leafy greens and includes omega-3 fatty acids in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts is best. Limiting or removing red meat and processed food from your diet will also decrease your risk of BPH. 

· Regular physical activity helps to manage weight, thereby reducing inflammation. Walking, running, swimming, and weightlifting are all beneficial activities for lowering your risk of BPH. 

· Maintain a healthy weight based on age and height; being overweight, especially with excess abdominal fat, is associated explicitly with increased BPH risk. 

· Staying well-hydrated helps maintain urinary health and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder and increase the frequency of urination. 

"Your Health" is an extensive network of Primary Care Providers, Specialists, Healthcare Coaches, Wellness programs, and educational opportunities dedicated to providing patients with the best possible healthcare. "Your Health" practices Value-based care based on measurable positive patient outcomes. There has never been a better time to commit to improving your health. Make the call today and put our skilled and dedicated professionals on your healthcare team to start living your best and healthiest life.